Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

close menu Office of the Premier

Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
  Read More

Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
  Read More

Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding

July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

Pop the cork! Kelowna vineyard wins major national wine award

August 4, 2022 2:30 PM
A family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
  Read More

New funding supports farmers, takes action on climate resiliency

July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

New Kitimat homes provide safe housing for women, children

August 8, 2022 1:15 PM
Women and children leaving violence will soon have access to safe and secure homes as construction begins on a 44-unit housing development in Kitimat.
  Read More

Supportive homes for youth coming to Kamloops

August 4, 2022 1:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

Expansion of cellular coverage makes driving safer in the Cariboo

August 9, 2022 11:30 AM
Cellular coverage is available for the community of Wells, northwest of Barkerville, bringing safer driving conditions to that section of Highway 26 and the Jack-of-Clubs rest area.
  Read More

Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley

July 12, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals

August 3, 2022 9:04 AM
Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals
More early childhood educators (ECEs) are furthering their education goals with financial support from the ECE Education Support Fund.
  Read More

B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference 2022

July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM
Group photo of four people at an announcement
A $10-million investment in the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will help grow made-in-B.C. solutions to reduce plastic pollution, create new products and increase job opportunities.
  Read More

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence

August 1, 2022 12:45 PM
As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.
  Read More

B.C. enhances consumer protection for homebuyers

July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Wildfire activity in B.C. will continue through August

August 4, 2022 10:45 AM
British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfire throughout August as conditions remain hot and dry.
  Read More

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine

July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
Approximately 208,000 eligible infants and children in British Columbia between six months and four years of age will soon be able to receive vaccine protection against COVID-19.
  Read More

Vancouver Coastal Health welcomes back 283 hospital food-service workers

July 22, 2022 11:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
  Read More

First Nations clean-energy projects funded on Vancouver Island

July 28, 2022 12:36 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 1, 2022 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
  Read More

Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for July 2022:
  Read More

Province launching new centre for agritech innovation

July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
  Read More

Report received on successorship, transfer of timber harvesting rights

July 28, 2022 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
  Read More

Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination

July 9, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
  Read More

Investment enhances mental-health services in Greater Victoria

July 28, 2022 12:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
  Read More

B.C. investing in healthy northern communities

August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province launches direct payment for evacuees

July 27, 2022 11:00 AM
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
  Read More

Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use

August 2, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians

July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
A new investment of $2 million will support the development and growth of British Columbia’s co-operative businesses, while expanding services for people who use them.
  Read More

Provincial funding helps grow a more food secure future

August 5, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship

July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship.
  Read More

Province, viaSport partner to take abuse out of the game

July 6, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain

July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
  Read More

Public invited to share input on Taylor Bridge's future

August 9, 2022 8:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Advanced Education and Skills Training
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.'s small businesses set example for our green future

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Minister responsible for TransLink

Read Bio

Contact

Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM
Group photo of four people at an announcement
A $10-million investment in the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will help grow made-in-B.C. solutions to reduce plastic pollution, create new products and increase job opportunities.
  Read More

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

B.C.'s small businesses set example for our green future

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03034

Share

News Release

Victoria
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 11:55 AM

Share

News Release

Victoria

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 11:55 AM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Climate Preparedness and Adaptation
  • Plastics Engagement
  • Towards a Clean Growth Future
  • Climage Change and Climate Action
  • Environmental Assessment Revitalization
  • Professional Reliance

Featured Services

  • Translink
  • Environmental Protection & Sustainability
  • BC Parks
  • Recreation Sites and Trails
  • Conservation Officer Service
  • Report All Polluters & Poachers
  • Environmental Assessment Office

Small businesses throughout B.C. are 'staying out of the red' by going green, said Environment Minister Terry Lake to wrap up October as small business month.

For example, three B.C. companies are turning their green ideas into greenbacks:

Van Houtte Coffee Services, B.C. is leading by example and influencing others. Starting in 2009, Van Houtte reduced their energy use, cut waste and converted a large part of their fleet to dual fuel trucks, hybrid cars and an experimental EV. Through efficiency programs, they have saved $100,000 and reduced emissions by over 202 tonnes annually. The lessons they have learned are shared with other business partners to help them find ways to use better, greener business strategies.

Glacier Creek Pacific Contracting is a Whistler-based construction company that builds energy efficient residences and buildings. Construction waste wasn't just undermining their bottom line, it was also contradicting their corporate philosophy of being good environmental stewards. Through strategic efforts that began in 2009, Glacier Creek reduced construction waste shipments to landfills by 35 per cent, which also cut CO2e emissions by 226 tonnes. Less waste in landfills saved them $64,500 in hauling fees.

Pemberton Valley Lodge takes its commitment to green leadership very seriously with an award-winning approach that is based on a savvy business strategy. From recycling the soap in their hotel rooms, to cutting waste by 75 per cent, Pemberton Valley Lodge has made many changes with big results. One of these results is becoming one of only 56 hotels in North America to receive the coveted Five Green Key rating. Pemberton Valley Lodge understands that delivering green options for their customers translates into cost savings for their business.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"These companies are an inspiration to all British Columbians and proof that going green is good for business and great for the planet. By reducing energy, waste and emissions, while running competitive businesses, they are truly great examples for all of us."

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"Small business is a huge economic driver in this province, employing over one million people. In fact, 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C. are small businesses. It's important that we recognize the courage, determination and dedication of each and every small business owner in this province and utilizing green ideas is definitely the way forward."

David MacKenzie, general manager Pemberton Valley Lodge -

"Our commitment to following green practices is fundamental to our business strategy. It's also about being responsible members of our community through environmental leadership."

Don Coggins, Glacier Creek Contracting -

"Our strategy is about more than looking for ways to save money and find efficiencies - it's about a mindset that is fundamental to our business. We specialize in building energy efficient buildings and know that saving energy and reducing waste today will have a positive impact on the future."

Morten Schroder, V.P. operations Van Houtte Coffee Services B.C. -

"Our strategy began as a way to find efficiencies in our business operations and has now grown to a corporate culture of environmental stewardship. We believe that sharing our best practices to reduce our waste and energy with our partners is just another way to build good relationships".

Quick facts about small business in B.C.:

  • Small business is a key economic driver in our province. It employs over one million people and contributes 29 per cent of the province's GDP.
  • British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 84.2 per 1,000 people.
  • 8400 small businesses have participated in the LiveSmart BC energy efficiency program for small business. (Making Progress on B.C.'s Climate Action Plan - June 2012)
  • 2012 KPMG BC Clean Technology Report Card had 96 per cent of their respondents from small - and medium - sized enterprises - 79 per cent were small business.

Learn More:

Green businesses in B.C.: https://climatesmartbusiness.com/

Van Houtte Coffee Services: www.committedtocaring.ca

Glacier Creek Pacific Contracting: www.glaciercreek.com

Pemberton Valley Lodge: www.pembertonvalleylodge.com

Helping B.C. businesses make green choices: www.livesmartbc.ca

Contact:

Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9630

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03034

Related Articles

Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM

Nelson Civic Centre gets energy-efficiency upgrade

August 4, 2022 12:15 PM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media